What is quotation? Pronunciation and usage in English

quotation means . Learn how to pronounce and use quotation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of quotation

quotationnoun

/kwəʊˈteɪʃn//kwəʊˈteɪʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "quotation." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

It's typically said as three syllables: quo-ta-tion

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • quo: Pronounced like "kwah" – like the beginning of the word "quick." Stress on this syllable.
  • ta: Pronounced like "tah" – a simple, short "ah" sound, like in the word "father."
  • tion: Pronounced like "shun" – this is the tricky part. It sounds like the "shun" in the word "fusion."

3. Putting it together:

So, you'd say it something like: kwah-tah-shun

4. Tips & Nuances:

  • Don't overemphasize each syllable: It's a flowing word. While the first syllable gets a bit more emphasis, it's not a huge dramatic difference.
  • The "tion" sound: This is the hardest part. Really listen to native speakers and try to mimic that "shun" sound. You can also practice by saying words like "fusion," "convention," or "motion."

Resources to Hear it:

To help me tailor my advice even more, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning? (This can help me explain the nuances differently.)

Usage and examples with the word quotation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "quotation" in English. It has a few different, but related, meanings. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Direct Quote (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: A quotation is a direct, word-for-word passage taken from a text (book, article, speech, etc.). It's used to present someone else's exact words.

  • How to use it: You’ll often see it used within quotes themselves.

  • Examples:

    • "As Shakespeare famously wrote, 'To be or not to be, that is the question.'" (The entire phrase is a quote).
    • “She said, ‘I’m feeling overwhelmed with the workload.’” (The phrase inside the quotation marks is a quote).
    • “The President’s speech included a significant quotation from Martin Luther King Jr.: ‘I have a dream.’”

  • Formatting (Important!): When using quotations, you’ll typically need to indicate that it’s a quote. This can be done in a few ways:

    • Punctuation: Using quotation marks (“ ”) is the most common.
    • Attribution: Immediately after the quote, you need to tell who said it. This is usually done with phrases like:
      • “said…”
      • “wrote…”
      • “explained…”
      • “stated…”
      • “as [person's name] noted…”

2. As a Reference to a Quote (Noun)

  • Meaning: A quotation can also refer to the actual document or source from which the words were taken. It's the piece of writing itself.
  • How to use it: You would use it as a noun, referring to the original source.
  • Examples:
    • “The historian relied heavily on primary quotations from the diary.” (Here, "quotations" refers to the diary entries themselves).
    • “The research paper included a comprehensive list of quotations from leading economists.”
    • “He cited several quotations throughout his argument.”

3. As a Verb (Less Common - Usually refers to incorporating a quote)

  • Meaning: To "quotation" something means to include a quote in your writing. It's less frequently used as a verb than as a noun.
  • How to use it: It's often found in more formal or academic contexts.
  • Example: “The author will quotation several passages from the novel to illustrate his points.” (Here, “quotation” means “to include quotes”).

Key Points to Remember:

  • Quotation Marks: Always use quotation marks (“ ”) to indicate a direct quote.
  • Attribution is Crucial: You must tell the reader where the quote comes from. Don't just drop a quote into your writing without context.
  • Accuracy: Be precise when quoting. Try to provide the exact words from the source.
  • Paraphrasing vs. Quoting: A quote is using someone's exact words. A paraphrase is restating someone's ideas in your own words.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do? (e.g., Write an essay, paraphrase a source, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use the word "quotation"?

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